Black Bing Cherry Jello Salad
A vibrant cherry-flavored jello salad with crunchy pecans and a hint of Coke, perfect for holiday gatherings and dessert tables that love bold, fruity flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the cherries and add enough water to the juice to make 2 cups.
- Heat the cherry juice mixture and dissolve the black Bing cherry jello in it.
- Add the small Coke to the mixture and let it cool until it begins to congeal.
- When the jello starts to set, add the sliced pecans and cherries.
- Pour the mixture into a mold and chill until fully set.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of almond extract to the cherry juice mixture. If you're looking to reduce sugar, you can use sugar-free black Bing cherry jello and a diet soda instead of Coke. This salad can also be enhanced with fresh mint leaves for garnish, adding a refreshing touch. Pair it with a savory dish like Potatoes And Hamburger Dinner for a balanced meal.
Serving Suggestions
This Black Bing Cherry Jello Salad makes an excellent side dish for barbecues or holiday gatherings. Serve it chilled in individual cups for a fun presentation. It pairs beautifully with savory dishes like roasted meats or can be enjoyed alongside lighter fare such as a fresh salad. For a sweet treat, serve it as a refreshing dessert option.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the texture, avoid freezing the jello salad, as it may become watery upon thawing. If you need to reheat, simply let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Black Bing Cherry Jello Salad contains roughly 358 calories, with 5g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (17% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries, but you'll need to pit and slice them. You may also need to adjust the juice quantity since fresh cherries are less concentrated than canned. Add a little water to achieve the same volume as the juice.
How long does it take for the jello to set?
Typically, the jello will take about 4-6 hours to fully set in the refrigerator. For best results, prepare it the night before and allow it to chill overnight. This ensures the flavors meld together and the texture is perfect.
Can I make this vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, substitute regular jello with a plant-based gelatin or agar-agar. Ensure that the Coke used is vegan-friendly. This way, you can still enjoy the delightful flavors of this salad while adhering to vegan dietary choices.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).